ANNIKA Experience Takes Place in South Walton at Water Sound
  On Friday, February 19th South Walton's youth had the chance of a lifetime to play golf with Annika Sorenstam, or a game of soccer with Mia Hamm. Both athletes are known for their amazing successes; Annika, the most dominate player in women's golf, winning 89 professional events, and Mia the winner of two World Championships, two Olympic Gold Medals and scoring an amazing 158-recorded goals in soccer. While both athletes have stepped away from their sport professionally, they are using their success and love for sport to encourage children, particularly girls, to incorporate a more active lifestyle into their daily routine.  Their humble, fun and  educational approach was inspiring, but the message they were sending was exceedingly deeper.   "It all started with a flyer and a pickle jar," explained Mia Hamm. She was referring to the Mia Hamm Foundation, which "is a non-profit, national organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for families in need of a marrow or cord blood transplant, and the development of more opportunities for young women to participate in sport."   She shared with us a story from her youth that encouraged the direction and successes of her life:  She told us that her older brother would always pick her first for his team.  This simple act of bringing his sister onto his team every time, planted a seed of acceptance and belonging into team sport activities for Mia.  According to her books she was always highly competitive, even as a childbut not always skilled.  That came with time on the field and great coaching.  Indeed, Mia's brother and his simple act of choosing her first was an inspiration and perhaps the catalyst for Mia's success in soccer, but he was also the reason for the pickle jar.  You see, Mia's brother, during his first years in college, was suddenly diagnosed with Myelodysplasia Atopic Anemia - which means he was not producing healthy red blood cells.  What he needed was a bone marrow transplant, but a match was hard to come by.  She spoke of the grace her brother exhibited during this waiting timeand the pickle jar that she used to gather donations to cover the expense of the forthcoming surgery.  A donor was found and the surgery did ensue.  Unfortunately, 2 ½ months after his surgery, complications led to his passing.  It hurts when you lose someone who you not only love, but who is a part of who you are.  But, what makes Mia Hamm a remarkable person is that she accepted the pain and the loss and turned it into a passion to help others who find themselves or loved ones in similar circumstances. She keeps filling that pickle jarbut for someone else.   When asked why she continued to play soccer she tells us it is because of a love for the sport and friends; a love first given to her by her big brother's early acceptance on the soccer field.  When asked about her foundation she tells us it is about awareness, helping families through financial situations, and the opportunity to register to become a much needed donor.  Mia is passionate about cord blood and encourages parents to save the cord blood of their children.  You just never know when you may need it.       The ANNIKA Foundation clearly states their mission on their homepage, "The ANNIKA Foundation teaches children the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition, and offers aspiring junior golfer's opportunities to pursue their dreams."  Annika said Friday, "Nothing could be dearer to my heart than exercise and nutrition and her long-term goal is to create wellness centers that integrate exercise and nutritional education."  She stated, "We are lacking in sound, proper nutritional education in America, and our kids are suffering because of this."  Annika's mission is to inspire children to recreate for themselves a healthy lifestyle that will contribute to greater future success. GO Annika!   Both of these women are great roll models for our children and the life style they offer is exemplarybut what are you offering your children.  You do not have to be an Olympic athlete, or an athlete at all, to offer the very best in encouragement and acceptance to your children.  As a mom herself, Mia shared the philosophy she lives by to inspire her kids. " I hope to inspire my children simply by example." 

Grayton Beach Fitness Chosen 'Best Place to Workout'
Grayton Beach, Fla. - Grayton Beach Fitness has earned the "Best Place to Workout" award from readers of the local weblog, SoWalScene.com. For locals and visitors to this area, SoWalScene is a positive source of news and information.
"We're thrilled to have the active readers of SoWalScene.com vote us the 'Best Place to Workout'," owner Paul Hunter said. "Grayton Beach Fitness was designed and implemented as a result of a growing demand for activity/health and fitness in a fun environment here on Scenic 30A. One of the things we focus on is building a person's active lifestyle versus focusing on bigger biceps and shoulders. As their activity level increases, they'll increase the calories burned, become stronger and more mobile thus increasing the quality of their life significantly! Working out at Grayton Beach Fitness will enhance their life, rather than take it over.
"When people come through the doors at Grayton Beach Fitness, some have physical challenges that affect their movement at home and/or work. We've got a team of professionals that can help them achieve their goals - by developing a personalized program, working one-on-one with someone over a continual basis or just designing a program for them to workout on their own - teaching them how the body moves to improve their function and activity," Hunter said.  "The moment you walk in the door you feel like it is a healing place," regular member Kay Brown said. "I've had an
injury for five years and came to Grayton Beach Fitness to get relief from the pain I had in my Sacro Illiac joint. I've been working with Paul for one month and I have more range of motion and less pain. Paul has helped me more than anyone else in the last five years. I can't thank him enough."  Grayton Beach Fitness is a fully-equipped fitness facility with 24-hour access available offering personal training, sport conditioning, weight loss, fitness evaluations, body composition assessments, consultations, orientations, blood pressure checks, yoga, Pilates, RIDE-indoor cycling, Zumba and circuit training classes. The center is open daily.
Hunter is not only the owner of Grayton Beach Fitness, he is a trainer; and was voted "Best Personal Trainer" by Emerald Coast Magazine in 2004. He has become one of the leading exercise, health and fitness resources on the Emerald Coast.
Grayton Beach Fitness is in the Mystic Porte Shopping Center, 38 Clayton Lane, Suite 17, Grayton Beach, FL 32459.  For more details on Grayton Beach Fitness, class schedules and fitness programs, call 850.231.7075 or visit www.graytonbeachfitness.com .

Paul Hunter, Owner,was voted Best Personal Trainer by Emerald Coast Magazine readers!